HR professionals are used to navigating change, from digital transformation and evolving workforce demographics to shifting regulations. Now, the urgency of climate adaptation is becoming undeniable. A recent study by the Belgian National Climate Commission estimates that by 2050 climate change will cost Belgium nearly €9.5 billion annually, around 2% of GDP, due to extreme heat, droughts, and floods. The study also highlights risks to public health, infrastructure, and labor productivity, underscoring the far-reaching economic and social consequences of inaction. However, the workforce is not just vulnerable to climate change: it can be a key driver of adaptation. As rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental shifts reshape jobs and skills demands, HR professionals have a unique opportunity to provide employees with the tools and competencies needed to turn these challenges into opportunities.
This makes climate adaptation a key strategic priority for policymakers and business leaders, but also for HR professionals. A workforce that is unprepared for climate impacts risks productivity losses, skill shortages, and increased job insecurity. However, HR can turn these risks into opportunities by integrating climate adaptation into workforce planning and skills development. A recent study on the impact of climate adaptation policy on human capital at Antwerp Management School provides concrete insights into how organizations can do this effectively, showing that those who proactively invest in climate resilience enhance workforce agility, improve skill alignment, and drive long-term career sustainability. As businesses and policymakers invest in climate resilience, HR must take the lead in preparing employees for new skills, workplace changes, and long-term career sustainability.
The missing link: HR and climate adaptation
Companies and policymakers worldwide are investing in climate resilience, yet many overlook one key factor: the workforce and its capacity to adapt. Without the right skills, policies, and workforce planning, organizations will struggle to implement climate adaptation strategies effectively and ensure a just and inclusive transition for employees. The impact of climate change extends beyond infrastructure and supply chains: it affects employees’ jobs, working conditions, and career paths.
Our research highlights a major opportunity for HR: by integrating climate adaptation into workforce planning, organizations can proactively build skills, improve employee engagement, and create future-proof careers. Investing in workforce resilience now will ensure that businesses remain agile, competitive, and ready to navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
How climate adaptation is creating new opportunities for work
Climate adaptation affects the labor market in ways HR cannot ignore:
- Shifts in job roles and skills – We identified several industries where climate adaptation is already reshaping job roles. For example, in the water sector, organizations like Water-link are training employees in climate risk management and infrastructure resilience to cope with increasing droughts and floods. These shifts highlight the urgency for HR to assess and develop the skills required for a climate-resilient workforce. This includes emerging competencies in climate risk management, sustainable operations, and crisis response.
- Workplace well-being in a changing climate – Organizations have an opportunity to enhance employee resilience by integrating climate adaptation measures into occupational health strategies, particularly in sectors like construction, logistics, and healthcare. For example, healthcare providers such as ZNA are implementing heat adaptation plans to protect employees from rising temperatures, including access to cooling vests, hydration support, and awareness campaigns to reduce heat stress during extreme weather conditions.
- New workforce expectations – Employees, particularly younger generations, will demand climate-conscious employers who prioritize sustainability and resilience. Our research highlights how companies that integrate climate adaptation into their HR strategies not only attract talent but also enhance employee engagement. For instance, Water-link’s commitment to sustainable workforce planning has strengthened its employer brand, while Stad Gent’s employment services focus on training vulnerable workers for climate-resilient jobs, ensuring inclusive workforce transitions.
Embracing these shifts can enhance workforce retention and strengthen business continuity, ensuring organizations stay competitive in a changing environment.
Practical steps HR can take now
HR doesn’t need to be a climate expert, but it has the unique opportunity to lead the way in workforce innovation and resilience. Here’s how:
1. Embed climate resilience in talent and skills development
- Conduct a skills gap analysis to identify critical competencies for climate adaptation.
- Invest in reskilling and upskilling programs focused on sustainability and disaster preparedness.
- Partner with educational institutions to align future workforce training with evolving industry needs.
2. Rework HR policies for climate resilience
- Update workplace policies to address climate risks, such as extreme heat protocols and disaster response plans.
- Introduce remote and flexible work models to mitigate the impact of climate-related disruptions.
- Support employees in making sustainable choices, such as incentivizing green commuting options.
3. Foster a culture of climate awareness
- Engage employees in climate-conscious initiatives and internal sustainability programs.
- Educate leaders on the business impact of climate adaptation and the role HR plays.
- Integrate climate adaptation into employee well-being programs, ensuring that physical and mental health risks are proactively addressed.
HR: leading the workforce through climate adaptation
The climate crisis is already reshaping industries, job markets, and business priorities. HR leaders have a powerful role to play in ensuring that climate adaptation becomes a driver of workforce growth, employee well-being, and long-term business success. Forward-thinking HR teams will not only safeguard employees against climate-related risks but also position their organizations as resilient, competitive, and attractive employers in a rapidly changing world.
The workforce is the foundation of any organization’s success. By acting now, HR can future-proof businesses, empower employees, and turn climate adaptation into a strategic advantage.
